Today we’d like to introduce you to Tammie Shelton.
Hi Tammie, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey into counseling began long before I officially held the title. I started my career as a school teacher, but my interest in mental health and emotional support was sparked in high school when I worked at a counseling center. In fact, psychology was my first major in college before I switched to education.
After ten years in the classroom, I followed that early passion and earned my Master’s in Counseling. I began working as a school counselor while also pursuing my Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) license. Eventually, I took a two-year break from schools to work as a Clinical Therapist in the Oncology department at Cook Children’s Medical Center, an experience that really shaped my approach to grief and trauma. For seven years, I maintained a private practice while continuing to serve in schools, until I eventually took the leap to run my private practice full-time. Along the way, I’ve also been deeply involved with grief-focused organizations like The WARM Place, A Memory Grows, and El Tesoro De La Vida grief camp—spaces that align closely with my passion.
My personal passion for grief work was ignited in grad school, when a close friend passed away from cancer, leaving behind a 5-year-old and an infant. That loss profoundly impacted me, especially thinking about the grief journey of his children. It led me to dedicate much of my career to supporting those navigating grief.
For the past 12 summers, I’ve served as a therapist at El Tesoro De La Vida, a grief camp for children in Granbury, Texas—an experience I consider the most meaningful and fulfilling part of my career.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Launching my own private practice has been a rewarding decision—but I’ll be the first to admit that I didn’t feel fully prepared for the business side of things. Like many therapists, my training focused on clinical skills, not necessarily how to run a business. Thankfully, I wasn’t alone in the process. As an LPC Supervisor, I was part of a network of fellow counselors—many of whom were also stepping into private practice around the same time. We leaned on each other heavily, sharing resources, tips, and lessons as we each navigated the start-up phase. Timing also played a huge role in my success. When I left the school system, I was still under contract and being paid through the end of August. That gave me a window—from May to August—to build my client base without the immediate financial pressure. By July, I had filled my schedule enough to match my previous school salary. One of the trickiest parts is marketing. It’s not something we’re taught in grad school, yet it’s essential for reaching the people who need your help. Word-of-mouth, community presence, and a strong online profile have all been helpful. Another turning point for my practice was getting trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)—a brain-based, rapid-processing modality similar to EMDR. It’s effective, efficient, and resonates with many of my clients. Being able to offer ART has expanded the ways I can support healing.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
One of the things I’m most proud of is my work with El Tesoro De La Vida, a grief camp for kids offered through Camp Fire USA. I’ve spent the past 12 summers serving as a therapist there, leading grief groups for kids during a week that’s 90% “normal” camp and 10% grief-focused. Out of 24 years working in schools and over 7 years in private practice, this experience is the most meaningful part of my career. In my private practice, I work with clients from ages 4 to adult. I’m trained in Play Therapy, which allows me to connect with younger clients through developmentally appropriate methods. I’m also trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), a brain-based modality similar to EMDR. ART allows clients to keep the facts of their trauma while releasing the emotional pain tied to it—often in just one session. It’s an incredible privilege to offer that kind of healing.
What are your plans for the future?
I am looking forward to continuing to grow my practice and offer grief groups. I would love to further my knowledge in ART by taking advanced courses. I am pretty happy with what I am doing right now!
Pricing:
- $125 per session
- I accept most major insurances.
Contact Info:
